International Journal Of Literature And Languages
127
https://theusajournals.com/index.php/ijll
VOLUME
Vol.05 Issue06 2025
PAGE NO.
127-128
10.37547/ijll/Volume05Issue06-36
Linguocultural Characteristics Of The “Bread”
Cultureme In Uzbek National Traditions
Mehribonu Furqat qizi Niyozova
PhD Candidate, Bukhara State University, Uzbekistan
Received:
27 April 2025;
Accepted:
30 May 2025;
Published:
27 June 2025
Abstract:
This article explores the linguocultural features of the Uzbek people's national culture, customs, rituals,
and traditions associated with the concept of “bread.” Preserved throughout centuries and functioning as a
distinguishing marker of Uzbek ethnoculture, the "bread" cultureme emerges as a symbol, model, and stereotype
within national customs and practices. The study demonstrates how this concept operates as a linguistic and
cultural constant and reflects broader sociocultural values deeply embedded in collective consciousness.
Keywords:
Custom, ritual, tradition, symbol, model, culture, cultureme, linguoculture.
Introduction:
National traditions represent a system of
inherited concepts, signs, values, behavioral practices,
and characteristic features that are transmitted
intergenerationally within a specific ethnocultural
group. While rooted in universal human traditions,
these practices attain unique expression within the
cultural matrix of each nation. Through them, specific
historical achievements in fields such as lifestyle,
science, literature, and art are conveyed to future
generations. Although practices such as hospitality are
common across cultures, their expression in Uzbek
society differs significantly from, for example, Russian,
Georgian, or British customs.
Traditions serve a unifying function within a nation and
act as vehicles for cultural continuity. Regardless of
social origin, individuals participate in traditional
practices, thereby reinforcing cultural identity. The
erosion of traditions often signals broader cultural
decline. Therefore, preserving traditions is vital for
maintaining national identity and heritage.
Theoretical Background:
A tradition is defined as a culturally significant
phenomenon shaped by historical evolution and socio-
natural necessity. It is a set of collectively internalized
norms and rules that influence the everyday life and
worldview of a community. The notion of custom (urf-
odat) encompasses a broader semantic field, including
daily routines, rituals, superstitions, interpersonal
etiquette, and ceremonial events. In contrast, ritual
(marosim) refers more narrowly to codified symbolic
acts conducted for communal or individual purposes,
often reflecting spiritual or material needs.
Central to many Uzbek customs and rituals is the
cultural-linguistic concept (cultureme) of "bread"
(non). As a cultural constant, it is consistently present
in both language and tradition, symbolizing
sustenance, sanctity, and social cohesion. Below are
examples of how this cultureme is manifested across
various contexts.
Empirical Observations:
Bread must not be placed on the ground.
If bread accidentally falls, it is promptly picked up,
kissed, and touched to the forehead, indicating
profound respect. In some regions, placing bread on
the ground is viewed as a harbinger of misfortune.
Bread is traditionally broken, not cut.
In some areas, cutting bread with a knife is
discouraged, as it symbolizes severing one's fortune.
Breaking bread by hand is considered respectful,
particularly when performed by the young with the
permission of elders.
Fotiha Bread (Blessing Bread)
Prior to important social gatherings (e.g., weddings,
circumcisions, memorials), it is customary to recite a
prayer and break bread. This symbolic act, known as
fotiha non, is meant to bless the event. The practice
also plays a central role in engagement ceremonies,
International Journal Of Literature And Languages
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International Journal Of Literature And Languages (ISSN: 2771-2834)
representing mutual consent and hopes for marital
harmony.
Invocational use of bread
In cases where a guest is delayed or someone departs
for a journey, a piece of bread is used in a supplicatory
ritual: “I place this on the bread, may they return
safely.” This reflects deeply ingrained values of
hospitality and concern for loved ones.
Reverence for bread fragments
Even the smallest piece of bread is not discarded.
Crumbs are either set aside respectfully or offered to
birds, underscoring the sacredness attributed to bread.
Bread and salt offered to a bride
Upon entering her new household, a bride is given
bread and salt as symbols of abundance, fidelity, and
peace. In various regions, bread is placed under her
feet or held above her head to invoke blessings.
Bread and travel
Bread may accompany travelers as a symbol of
sustenance. In some regions, a traveler bites a loaf
before departure, and the untouched loaf is preserved
until their safe return, symbolizing a bond with home
and continued fortune.
Bread and salt at the inaugural feast
When moving into a new home or hosting guests for
the first time, bread and salt are placed at the table to
signify prosperity and harmony.
Oaths sworn upon bread
In serious matters, people swear on bread, indicating
the sanctity and unbreakability of their promise. The
phrase “in the name of bread” (non haqqi) signifies the
solemnity of the oath.
Results and Discussions
Bread in funerary and commemorative rites
Special bread, called ehson non, is distributed at
funerals and memorial services. This act, often
accompanied by sweeteners and dried fruits, is
intended to honor the deceased and invoke blessings
upon their soul.
Bread must not be placed upside down
Placing bread with its bottom facing upward is
considered disrespectful. Additionally, no other food is
placed atop bread. Bread is always positioned
prominently and respectfully on the table.
No meal without bread
A table without bread is considered bereft of blessings.
Bread is always presented with the face side up and in
pairs, reflecting its centrality to the meal.
Bread must not be wasted
Discarding or playing with bread is deemed sinful.
Leftover bread is preserved and never thrown away,
reinforcing a cultural ethic of resourcefulness and
gratitude.
Encountering bread on the street
If bread is found on the ground, it is picked up, cleaned,
kissed, and placed in a high or safe location
—
a gesture
of respect.
Child's first steps
When a child begins to walk, seven loaves are baked
and placed along their walking path. These loaves,
along with sweets, are distributed to seven neighboring
households, symbolizing hopes for a prosperous and
blessed life.
Births and symbolic ages
Upon the birth of a child or attainment of a symbolic
age (e.g., 12, 24), seven loaves are baked and shared
with relatives and neighbors. This ritual is performed to
invoke longevity and communal respect for the
individual.
CONCLUSION
The “bread” cultureme operates as a multidimensional
cultural universal within Uzbek society, serving as a
symbol, model, and stereotype across various social
contexts. Its prevalence illustrates a unique national-
psychological lacuna
—
a concept or practice inherent
to one culture yet absent in another
—
highlighting the
distinctiveness of Uzbek linguoculture. Adherence to
cultural
ecology
—
the
safeguarding
and
intergenerational transmission of spiritual and material
values
—
is a civic responsibility for ensuring the
continuity of national identity.
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